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Content transferring method, transferring apparatus, and transferring programRelated Patent Categories: Television Signal Processing For Dynamic Recording Or Reproducing, Processing Of Television Signal For Dynamic Recording Or ReproducingContent transferring method, transferring apparatus, and transferring program description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060188215, Content transferring method, transferring apparatus, and transferring program. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present invention contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application JP 2005-045596 filed with the Japanese Patent Office on Feb. 22, 2005, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a content transferring method, a transferring apparatus, and a transferring program. More particularly, the invention relates to a method, an apparatus and a program for transferring music data to a portable reproducing apparatus that may be carried around and utilized by a user. [0003] Recent years have seen the growing popularity of portable reproducing apparatuses each incorporating a hard disk drive that stores music data. A typical apparatus of this type is disclosed illustratively in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2001-175624 (corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 2002-159304). [0004] Such portable reproducing apparatus are each connected to a transferring apparatus capable of acquiring music data over the Internet or the like and transferring the acquired data to the connected portable apparatus. The music data transferred from the transferring apparatus is stored onto a hard disk drive inside the portable reproducing apparatus. The transferring apparatus is typically a personal computer, audio equipment, or like gears designed to acquire music data over the Internet. [0005] With music data stored inside, the portable reproducing apparatus is operated by the user for music reproduction typically while being carried around. The music data is then retrieved from the internal hard disk drive, processed for reproduction and output audibly through earphones or the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] One disadvantage of the typical portable reproducing apparatus is that every time music data is to be transferred from the transferring apparatus to the portable reproducing apparatus, the user must designate all transfer-destined music data items by manipulating the transferring apparatus. This can be a bothersome, time-consuming chore. [0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and provides a content transfer system that makes the task of transferring content data significantly easier than before. [0008] In carrying out the present invention and according to one embodiment thereof, there is provided a content transferring method for use with a first and a second apparatus interconnected by a communicating device, the content transferring method including the steps of: if a storage medium managed by the second apparatus is larger in capacity than content data to be transferred from the first apparatus to the second apparatus, then performing a synchronizing process synchronizing the content data stored in the first apparatus with the content data to be stored onto the storage medium managed by the second apparatus; and if the storage medium managed by the second apparatus is smaller in capacity than the content data to be transferred from the first apparatus to the second apparatus, then performing a selective transferring process causing the first apparatus preferentially to select content data different from the content data stored on the storage medium managed by the second apparatus and to transfer the preferentially selected content data to the second apparatus. [0009] Where the content transferring method of the present invention is in use, if the storage medium managed by the second apparatus is found larger in capacity than the content data to be transferred from the first apparatus to the second apparatus, then a synchronizing process is performed to synchronize the content data stored in the first apparatus with the content data to be stored onto the storage medium managed by the second apparatus. If the storage medium managed by the second apparatus is found smaller in capacity than the content data to be transferred from the first apparatus to the second apparatus, then a selective transferring process is carried out to cause the first apparatus preferentially to select content data different from the content data stored on the storage medium managed by the second apparatus and to transfer the preferentially selected content data to the second apparatus. The inventive method thus eliminates the need for the user to designate each and every music data item to be transferred from the first apparatus to the second apparatus. [0010] That is, with the inventive content transferring method in use, there is no particular need for the user to specify the music data to be transferred from one apparatus to another. The method thus makes the task of transferring content data significantly easier than before. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a reading of the following description and appended drawings in which: [0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an overall configuration of a music transfer system embodying the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a typical structure of a transferring apparatus as part of the embodiment; [0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic view outlining a directory structure; [0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a typical structure of a portable reproducing apparatus as part of the embodiment; [0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a transfer setting screen; [0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of steps constituting an automatic transferring procedure in once-through transfer mode; [0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing another transfer setting screen; [0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of steps constituting an automatic transferring procedure in shuffle transfer mode; [0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of steps constituting an automatic transferring procedure in omnibus transfer mode; Continue reading about Content transferring method, transferring apparatus, and transferring program... 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